A sudden, sharp pain in your tooth or an accidental knock to the jaw can be frightening. In these moments, it’s easy to second-guess whether you truly need immediate care. At Your Time Dental, Dr. Rick Kernagis and our team want to ensure our Gibsonton and South Tampa communities know how to react when faced with a dental emergency. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications, including infection, tooth loss, and more expensive procedures.
Let’s clear up some common myths that prevent people from seeking the urgent care they need.
Myth 1: “The pain will go away on its own.”
Fact: Significant dental pain is your body’s alarm system. It’s signaling a problem that won’t resolve itself, such as a deep cavity, an abscess (infection), or a cracked tooth. While pain might temporarily fade, the underlying issue will only worsen without professional treatment. Ignoring it allows decay or infection to spread, potentially causing more damage.
Myth 2: “A little blood from my gums is normal.”
Fact: While minor bleeding can happen from vigorous brushing, persistent or unexplained bleeding is never normal. It often points to gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or a soft-tissue injury. Uncontrolled bleeding after an injury is a clear sign you need to see a dentist right away.
Myth 3: “If I can’t see damage, it’s fine.”
Fact: Many serious dental injuries aren’t visible. A hard impact can damage the tooth’s root, nerve, or the supporting bone without any obvious chip or crack on the surface. If you experience trauma to your mouth, it’s crucial to get it checked by a dentist to rule out hidden damage that could lead to tooth loss later.
Myth 4: “A cracked tooth isn’t an emergency.”
Fact: A cracked tooth is a serious issue. The crack creates an entry point for bacteria to infect the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to severe pain and an abscess. Even a minor crack can quickly worsen, potentially splitting the tooth to a point where it cannot be saved. Prompt treatment can often preserve the tooth with a filling, crown, or root canal.
Myth 5: “I can just wait until Monday to call.”
Fact: Dental emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Waiting over the weekend can turn a manageable problem into a complex one. An infection can spread, a broken tooth can become unsalvageable, and pain can become unbearable. Many emergency dentists, including Your Time Dental, offer after-hours instructions and aim to provide same-day care precisely for this reason.
Signs You Should Never Ignore
If you experience any of the following, seek dental care immediately:
- Severe, persistent toothache or pressure
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
- Fever accompanied by tooth pain or swelling
- Trauma to the mouth, face, or jaw
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- A pimple-like bump on your gums (a sign of an abscess)
- A persistent bad taste or smell in your mouth
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle it by the crown (top), not the root. Gently rinse it with water, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it moist in a small container of milk and call us immediately.
- Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Do not apply aspirin to the tooth or gums.
- Broken Tooth or Filling: Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
- ER vs. Dentist: Go to the ER for life-threatening issues like a broken jaw, severe facial lacerations, or swelling that obstructs your airway. For all other tooth-related emergencies, call your dentist first.
We’re Here for You in Gibsonton and South Tampa
Don’t let a myth risk your oral health. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Your Time Dental right away. We offer same-day appointments and after-hours guidance to ensure you get the prompt, expert care you deserve.
Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:
LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON
13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128
FISHHAWK – LITHIA
5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128
